Comparison ยท Science
Mitosis vs Meiosis
Mitosis makes matching cells for growth and repair, while meiosis creates sex cells and introduces genetic variation.
Mitosis
- one division
- two daughter cells
- diploid
- growth and repair
Meiosis
- two divisions
- four daughter cells
- haploid
- genetic diversity
Main Difference
Mitosis copies a cell into matching replacements, while meiosis reshuffles genetic material and produces sex cells with half the usual chromosome count.
When Each Fits Best
Think mitosis when the body needs growth, repair, or routine cell replacement. Think meiosis when an organism is making eggs or sperm for reproduction.
Bottom Line
If the question is maintenance, growth, or healing, mitosis is the right lens. If the question is reproduction and genetic variety, it is meiosis.
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